Ann Sudmalis (Gilmore, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

We've all heard 'don't be a tosser', and we know what it means. If someone is caught throwing rubbish onto a road, a path or into bushland, they're ashamed and embarrassed. Let's make 'don't be a bully' equally effective. Everyone needs to have the guts to message on a Facebook entry where someone is being bullied 'don't be a bully'. It's time to shame the person who writes insulting or hurtful words or comments like 'go kill yourself.' But don't stop there. Be brave enough to say the same thing to someone who punches, hits, kicks or uses some other act of physical intimidation—'don't be a bully'. If you feel at risk, report it to the police.

It's time for all of us to acknowledge this as a problem. We have to collectively step up and stop blaming the victim. Recently, I met with Annette, a concerned adult with a young girl, let's call her Trudy—the mayor and her family. Because of intense bullying and a lack of help from all the adults around her, except her family, Trudy was about to leave school and be homeschooled. This is appalling. Thank you, Trudy, for speaking out for help.

This week we launched the Australia Safer Internet Day. This was done by the eSafety Commissioner, the Prime Minister and my colleague Nola Marino, who has been advocating for this for many years. Young people who are experiencing bullying should ring 1800551800 and report it to the eSafety Commissioner. We all have to step up and make a difference or in two or three decades we'll be facing yet another inquiry about our inaction. The 'don't be a bully' campaign can be successful. (Time expired)

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